Archive

Recent reports of bears, foxes, beavers and raccoons in the county have been hitting the news, but is there a need to worry? Join wildlife management and health department specialists for an online chat Wednesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. to get your questions answered about rabies concerns, potential diseases, population control and more. Submit a question in advance or visit online July 22 to participate.

Fairfax County is hosting the 2015 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) June 26-July 5. Join WPFG staff and members of the county's Office of Emergency Management on Wednesday, June 17 at 3 p.m. to learn about the games, volunteer opportunities, traffic information and more. Your questions are welcome!

Join Nick Perfili and Randy White from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation on Thursday, May 7 at 11 a.m. for a discussion about Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Transit Plan Update. Ask questions about the “Connections 2015” program; provide comments on draft transit service recommendations; and share other suggestions on how the regional bus network can better serve your needs.

Contrary to its name, the fall cankerworm can be destructive to local trees and plant life during the spring when caterpillars are active. Over the last couple of years Fairfax County has experienced outbreak population levels of this pest. This year, staff have detected population levels stabilizing and suppression efforts this spring will be minimal. On Thursday, April 9 at 11 a.m., join Joan Allen, urban forester in the Urban Forest Management Division, to discuss what fall cankerworms can do to our environment, how Fairfax County is addressing the problem and what you can do to help.

Did you know that Fairfax County has a robust volunteer Master Gardeners program? Now is the time to start planning and planting, and Master Gardeners John Meenan and Sunny Greene are here to help. Join them online Wednesday, April 8 at 11 a.m. to learn more about the program, how to become a volunteer and how to find gardening success with your own plot of land in the county.

Online gaming, instant messaging and chat rooms let children communicate with friends and family members with ease. However, these popular tools also allow kids to connect with people they’ve never met, making them vulnerable to online predators, cyberbullies and scam artists. On Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m., chat online with experts and learn about the risks; ways to educate children about the internet; and applications that are available to help protect children in Fairfax County.

Join Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 3 to 4 p.m. as she answers your questions about her recent State of the County address. You can find her address online at http://bit.ly/1CddY5g.

Join Captain Paul Cleveland from the Fairfax County Police Department's Office of Organized Crime & Narcotics and Peggy Cook, director of Residential Treatment Services for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board on Monday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. to discuss the dangers and prevalence of heroin and opiate use and addiction facing our community. The number of overdoses has risen dramatically over the past three years; no one is immune. Learn more about this “national threat” we are facing here in Fairfax County, as well as how to recognize drug use, overdoses, the risks and where to find help and resources.

Join Tom Biesiadny on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. to get answers about the $100 million transportation bond referendum on the ballot on Nov. 4. If approved by a majority of voters, this bond will help pay for building roads, missing sidewalks and new bike lanes. For more information before the chat, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bond.

Join Randy White, comprehensive transit plan project manager, and Nick Perfili, Fairfax Connector operations and planning manager, on Wednesday, October 8 at 12:30 p.m. for a discussion on Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Transit Plan for bus service over the next 10 years. Ask questions about the “Connections 2015” outreach program; make recommendations on how to improve Fairfax Connector and Metrobus service in Fairfax County; and other suggestions on how the regional bus network can better serve your needs.

The county’s adult detention center has recently been featured on MSNBC’s reality show, “Lockup Extended Stay: Fairfax,” which takes viewers inside prisons and jails across America and around the world. On Monday, Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m., join Lt. Steve Elbert with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what happens behind the scenes at one of the nation’s more unique detention centers.

Fairfax County has experienced a variety of unexpected emergencies in the past few years – an earthquake, hurricane, tropical storm, tornado and a derecho storm all affected the area. September is National Preparedness month, which is the perfect time to prepare yourself, your family and your workplace. Bruce McFarlane and Whitney Kazragis from the Office of Emergency Management will be available to answer questions about recent emergencies and to share best practices for emergency preparedness on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.

Fairfax County General Registrar Cameron Quinn will take questions on the county’s new voting machines, which will be used in the upcoming November election, and the state’s new photo ID requirements, as well as any more general election questions voters may have.

August is Immunization Awareness Month in Fairfax County. Vaccines provide a power shield of protection for children and adults are they are best way to prevent many serious diseases. Join the Health Department’s Assistant Director of Patient Care Services Joanna Hemmat, who oversees the School Health Services Program, and Immunization Compliance Nurse Dorothy Randazzo on Tuesday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to noon. These experts will answer your questions about immunizations, when and where to get immunized, and what parents need to know before school starts. Learn more about the importance of protecting yourself, your family and your community by keeping up-to-date on vaccinations.

Our first chat was so successful that we were unable to answer all of your questions, so we're setting a second date! Join Nick Perfili, Fairfax Connector operations and planning manager, Friday, July 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to discuss Fairfax Connector's upcoming Silver Line service. Ask questions about bus route and schedule changes; park and ride options; and other topics related to the Silver Line.

Chat with Laura Yager, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's director of partnership and resource development, and Amy Parmentier, coordinator for social work for Fairfax County Public Schools, on Wednesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. about how to talk to someone who is experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide and what you can do to get them the help they need. Learn about a new, free, interactive online suicide prevention training course, a new crisis/suicide prevention text line and other community resources for mental health.

On Wednesday, June 11 at 11 a.m., join the Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insects Program Environmental Health Supervisor Josh Smith and Environmental Health Specialist Andrew Lima for an online discussion about how to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Preventing bites from these insects is an important step. Learn how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home, what to do if you find a tick on your body and how to spot the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Join the conversation, get your questions answered and learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer.

Now is the time when many residents begin work on a variety of home improvement projects like adding a deck, sunroom or swimming pool. Did you know that many home improvements require a building permit? Join Shetal Kapoor and Steve Kendrick with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services on May 14 at 2 p.m. as they answer common questions related to building permits and highlight new tools for applying for permits, scheduling inspections and tracking the progress of your project.

Emergencies come in many forms, and each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, staff from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the Office of Emergency Management will be available on May 8 at 11 a.m. to answer all of your questions to help you protect your pets when the unexpected happens.

Contrary to its name, the fall cankerworm can be destructive to local trees and plant life during the early spring when caterpillars are active. In normal years the fall cankerworm causes little to no damage, but Fairfax County is experiencing a dramatic increase in population levels which, if left unchecked, may put hundreds of acres of county trees at risk. On Wednesday, April 9 at 2 p.m., join Joan Allen, urban forester in the Urban Forest Management Division, to discuss what fall cankerworms can do to our environment, how Fairfax County is addressing the problem, and what you can do to help.

Join Fire Chief Richie Bowers on Monday, Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m., as he takes questions about the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the newly developed Safety In Our Community (SIOC) initiative, and also learn what firefighters are doing to help you “prevent the 911 call.”

Fairfax County has identified more than 200 capital and operating projects important for maintaining or improving a safe and efficient transportation network. These unfunded projects provide new capacity and include interchange improvements, roadway extensions, spot improvements, roadway widening projects, transit, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. for a discussion with Tom Biesiadny, director of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, and tell us which projects are the most important to you and your community. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/

Fairfax County Police recently released crime data shows that we are enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the nation for jurisdictions of this size. Still, challenges remain. Data indicates that drug offenses and calls for service involving mental health issues are on the rise. Police Chief Colonel Edwin C. Roessler, Jr. will answer your questions about these public safety issues and more at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Join us to learn more about how you can make a difference in keeping your community safer.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, county residents will go to the polls to elect a new governor and other top Virginia officials, as well as a new sheriff and vote on a school bond referendum. On Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m., Fairfax County General Registrar Cameron Quinn will be available to answer your questions about voting, going to the polls and more. Please note that questions for the online chat will not be answered until Oct.30 and any questions regarding voting that need immediate attention should go to voting@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-222-0776 (TTY 711).

Flu season has arrived and now is the time to get your flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive a flu vaccine each year. Join the Fairfax County Health Department Deputy Director for Medical Services Dr. Raja'a Satouri for an Ask Fairfax! chat on Friday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. to discuss the flu, vaccinations and winter health. For more information about the flu, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu

On Friday, Sept. 27, 2 p.m., join Captain Dave Russell, commander of the Animal Control Unit, for a discussion on controlling rabies in our community and protecting yourself, your family and your pets. Rabies is a deadly virus that primarily infects wildlife and is most often spread through the bite of a rabid animal. In the county, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are the animals most likely to be sick with rabies. Unvaccinated pets that contact wildlife are at high risk of becoming infected. While rabies rarely causes disease in humans in the U.S., people exposed to a rabid animal can become sick, and with very rare exceptions, rabies disease is fatal.

Join Supervisor Cook on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. to talk about the dangers of neighborhood speeding and his proposals to help stop it. You can learn more about the issue and Supervisor Cook's plan by going to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/braddock/slowdown.htm. Questions can be submitted now or during the chat.

On Monday, June 10, at 1 p.m., join Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova for an online chat on transportation in Fairfax County. The Chairman will answer questions and address concerns on the current state of transportation infrastructure and what the future holds for transportation in the County. Also, get details on the Evolution of Transportation event scheduled for June 12 at the Angelika Film Center and Café in Merrifield.

The Summer Reading Program helps students keep up their reading skills while school is out and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Kids and teens earn a coupon book with great prizes for reading a certain number of books (or having books read to them). Join the online chat June 7, 10 – 11 a.m.

Do you love animals? Wondering what you can do to help dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, birds and “more” in your community? Then on Friday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m., join Tawny Hammond, director, and Kristen Auerbach, community outreach program manager, with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, to discuss new summer programs and initiatives, volunteer and foster opportunities and how you can find a lifelong best friend at the county’s Animal Shelter. Also get answers to all your questions about cats in our community. Questions are being accepted now.

Over the last 30 years, invasive plant species have slowly taken a firm foothold in our area. On Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. join Natural Resource Specialist Justin Roberson with the Fairfax County Park Authority to talk about invasive plants, their damaging effects and how you can help protect yards, gardens and parkland from the infestation of these aggressively growing plants. Experts agree that non-native, invasive species are the second most serious threat to the quality of natural areas and their ability to support wildlife with only habitat loss being a more serious threat.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2 p.m., join Dr. Jorge Arias and Josh Smith, environmental health specialist and biologist, from the Health Department for an online discussion about how to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Preventing bites from these insects is an important step. Learn how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home, what to do if you find a tick on your body and how to spot the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Join the conversation, get your questions answered and learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer.

While Fairfax County will only see a spotty appearance of cicadas this year, cicadas will be returning to the east coast between early to mid-May. On Thursday, May 2 at 2 p.m. join staff from the county’s Urban Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to discuss this year’s cicada arrival, learn interesting cicada facts and ask your questions about these often misunderstood red-eyed insects.

Join us Monday, April 29 at 2 p.m. for an online chat discussing the importance of 9-1-1. Steve Souder, Director, Department of Public Safety Communications (the 9-1-1 center) will answer your questions. This is a great opportunity to learn about 9-1-1, how it works and what the next generation of 9-1-1 will provide.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Recent incidents involving social media (photos and videos of assaults posted and shared online) highlight the importance of discussing the serious impact on victims, especially teens. Please join Fairfax County for a live chat on Friday, April 26, at 10 a.m., about how we can help young people avoid the crowd mentality, stand up for their core values, and hold one other accountable. Representatives from the Fairfax County Office for Women and Domestic & Sexual Violence Services and the Police Department will answer questions.

Do you want to know how to properly get rid of old electronics, hazardous materials like oil-based paint and fluorescent bulbs, and other household waste? County staff from the Solid Waste Management Program will be online Wednesday, April 24 at 2 p.m., to answer all of your questions about recycling and trash. Join Pamela Gratton, Fairfax County's recycling manager, and Ben Boxer, public information officer, in a discussion of everyday ways that you can help keep Fairfax County green.

Join Nick Perfili, Dulles Rail Project Planner, and Christy Wegener, Fairfax Connector’s Manager of Operations, Planning and Customer Service, on Thursday, April 18 at 2 p.m. for a discussion on Silver Line, Phase 1. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about the Silver Line as well as Fairfax Connector’s proposed bus service plan for when the rail line starts operations.

Spring is here and with warming weather, many people turn their thoughts to home improvement projects. But did you know projects could require a building permit? Join staff with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services on Tuesday, April 16 at 2 p.m. in a discussion on the ABC’s of Building Permits: when do you need a permit, when you don’t, what’s the process like, etc? Shetal Kapoor and Steve Kendrick with the DPWES Customer and Technical Support Center will be online to answer your questions.

Join Nick Perfili, Dulles Rail Project Planner, and Christy Wegener, Fairfax Connector’s Manager of Operations, Planning and Customer Service with the county’s Department of Transportation on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. for a discussion on Silver Line, Phase 1. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about the Silver Line as well as Fairfax Connector’s proposed bus service plan for when the rail line starts operations.

This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Influenza activity is increasing in parts of the country and further increases are expected in the coming weeks and months. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine each year. Join the Fairfax County Health Department’s Deputy Director for Medical Services Dr. Raja’a Satouri for an Ask Fairfax! chat on Wednesday, December 5, at 1 p.m. to discuss the flu, vaccinations and winter health. For more information about the flu, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu.

Protect yourself and your money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and get tips for savvy holiday shopping. Chat with representatives from the Consumer Affairs Branch and the Police Department’s Financial Crimes on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. about online shopping safety, gift cards and how to separate the real door busters from ho-hum deals.

In the final stretch before the Nov. 6 General Election, Fairfax County General Registrar Cameron Quinn will be available to answer your questions about voting, going to the polls and more on Friday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Please note that questions for the online chat will not be answered until Nov. 2 and any questions regarding voting that need immediate attention should go to voting@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-222-0776 (TTY 711).

Hurricane Sandy and its impacts are on the way. Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, County Executive Ed Long and other county staff will take your questions at 6 p.m. Sunday from the Emergency Operations Center. Submit your questions now and follow responses below beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday. The discussion will be archived so you can view responses later.

Four county bond questions will be on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 6. Get answers to your questions about how the county plans to use this money to improve libraries, parks, public safety and stormwater facilities during the Ask Fairfax! chat on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m.

In the next 10 years, funding needs for transportation are projected to be $8.1 billion, exceeding available funding from all sources. Ask questions and share ideas about county transportation needs, priorities and revenue options during the Ask Fairfax! chat on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at noon.

Voter Registration Week is Sept. 25 to Oct. 2. Fairfax County General Registrar Cameron Quinn will answer your voting questions for the upcoming General Election, including voter registration and voter ID, during the online “Ask Fairfax!” on Friday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.

Fairfax County has experienced a variety of unexpected emergencies during the past 12 months – an earthquake, hurricane, tropical storm, tornado and a derecho storm all affected the area. September is National Preparedness month, which is the perfect time to prepare yourself, your family and your workplace. The Office of Emergency Management will be available to answer questions about recent emergencies and to share best practices for emergency preparedness on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m.

On Wednesday, June 6, 2 p.m. join Dr. Peter Troell and Dr. Jorge Arias from the Health Department for an online discussion about how to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Preventing bites from these insects is an important step. Lean how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home, what to do if you find a tick on your body, and how spot the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Join the conversation, get your questions answered, and learn how to enjoy the outdoors safety this summer. Participate in one of two ways: Submit your questions and follow answers in our Ask Fairfax online discussion forum. You also may join a conversation about this topic on Twitter by following @fairfaxhealth and using the hashtag #askfairfax.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Hurricanes do not have to make landfall in Virginia to cause damage. Heavy rains, strong winds, floods and damage to buildings, trees and cars can all accompany a hurricane. Be prepared! On Tuesday, May 22, at 2 p.m., join Marcelo Ferreira, community liaison with the Office of Emergency Management, for an online chat about hurricanes, how to prepare for hurricane season, Hurricane Preparedness Week May 25-31, and how to save money while shopping for emergency preparedness supplies during the annual Virginia Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31.

This fall, an estimated 13,000 children in Fairfax County will be starting their elementary school experience as they transition from home, preschool or a child care setting to kindergarten! The Office for Children partners with Fairfax County Public Schools to help families and child care programs support children’s school readiness. Join staff May 2 at 10 a.m. for an online discussion that will address what families, child care programs and teachers can do to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten and a successful new beginning for children and their families.

On Wednesday, April 25, 1 p.m. join Director of Animal Control Michael Lucas, and Dr. Peter Troell from the Health Department, for a discussion about controlling rabies in our community and protecting yourself, your family and your pets. Each year, about 50 rabid animals are identified in Fairfax County and many more rabid animals go unreported. So far in 2012, the public has encountered 16 rabid animals. Rabies is a deadly virus that primarily infects wildlife and is most often spread through the bite of a rabid animal. In the county, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are the animals most likely to be sick with rabies. Unvaccinated pets that contact wildlife are at high risk of becoming infected. While rabies rarely causes disease in humans in the U.S., people exposed to a rabid animal can become sick, and with very rare exceptions, rabies disease is fatal. Join the online conversation, get your questions answered, and learn how to enjoy the outdoors safety this summer, and throughout the year.

Earth Day is coming up and you can find out how to celebrate year-round on Thursday, April 19 at 10 a.m. in an online chat with Environmental Coordinator Kambiz Agazi and Recycling Manager Pamela Gratton. Ask about saving money and energy in the home, what and where you can recycle and other environment-focused questions.

On Wednesday, April 11, 2 p.m., join Lucy Gerland, caregiver specialist with Fairfax County’s Area Agency on Aging, and Cathy Cole, director of Elderlink, for a discussion on caregiver services including general caregiving services and resources for caregivers. All family caregivers are welcome whether you provide care locally or long distance. Fairfax County’s Family Caregiver Support Program helps family caregivers of older adults and adults with a disability as well as grandparents and relatives (over 55) who serve as primary caregivers to children.

Since the Penn State child sex abuse scandal broke in November 2011, Fairfax County has felt the impact. The FCPD Child Abuse Squad doubled the number of reports it received in December 2011 (at 39 versus 19 in December 2010). In 2011, officers in that unit investigated a total of 329 cases covering child rape, sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a juvenile. The Office for Women’s Domestic and Sexual violence hotline also reports that they’ve received an increased number of calls asking for advice and counsel since the scandal broke.
Please join us online to address this serious topic; one that parents, educators, and all those who come into contact with children need to know more about. Two detectives from the FCPD and an expert from the Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will be on hand to answer your sensitive concerns and offer resources on where to get help.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova will be taking your questions on her priorities for 2012, the search for a new county executive, the upcoming FY2013 budget and the state of the economy in Fairfax County, revitalization and redevelopment across the county, and will answer your questions on what you see as an issue facing us in 2012. View Bulova's priorities at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/inauguration/2012-2015/bulova-inaugural-speech.htm.

Join Park Authority Director John Dargle Jr., for an online discussion about our parks system. It's an opportunity for park lovers, critics and people with a great idea or two to get instant feedback on park topics. The Fairfax County Park Authority is a tremendous asset to the community with more than 23,000 acres of parkland, nine recenters, golf courses, historic sites, more than 250 miles of trails, and over 400 parks. You can enjoy lakes or ball fields, and nature centers or swimming pools.

Protect yourself and your money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and get tips for savvy holiday shopping. Chat with representatives from the Consumer Affairs Branch and the Police Department’s Financial Crimes about online shopping safety, gift cards and how to separate genuine door busters from ho-hum deals.

Due to the recent redistricting, some polling places have changed, as well as their state legislative district and/or county supervisory district. Also, volunteer elections officers are needed, especially bilingual Spanish speakers. General Registrar Cameron Quinn answered your questions online about the upcoming Nov. 8 General Election.

Do you have questions about hurricane or earthquake preparedness? Join Dave McKernan, Office of Emergency Management coordinator, as he takes your questions about Hurricane Irene and Tuesday's earthquake.

Hurricane season begins June 1. Join Marcelo Ferreira, community liaison with the Office of Emergency Management, for an online chat about hurricanes, how to prepare for hurricane season, especially during Hurricane Preparedness Week May 22-28, and how to save money while shopping for emergency preparedness supplies during the annual Virginia Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31.

This fall, an estimated 13,000 children in Fairfax County will be starting their elementary school experience as they transition from home or a child care setting to kindergarten! The Office for Children partners with Fairfax County Public Schools to help families and child care programs support children’s school readiness. The May 4 “Ask Fairfax” will address what families, child care programs and teachers can do to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten and a successful new beginning for children and their families.

Ready for a tornado? The next statewide Tornado Drill will take place Tuesday, March 15, at 9:45 a.m., Tornado Preparedness Day. More than 1.2 million Virginians participated last year. Ask our Office of Emergency Management questions about tornado safety. Refresh your browser for the latest answers.

It's the holiday season and millions of us are cybershopping from our homes rather than facing the overwhelming crowds and traffic. But do you know how to shop online safely? There can be risks, but there are precautions you can take. Learn more by joining financial crime detectives from the Police Department at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, with your questions and concerns about online shopping and conducting safe online financial transactions.

As part of Winter Preparedness Week, Dec. 5-11, Office of Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator Roy Shrout answered questions about how to prepare for the upcoming cold weather, including how to assemble an emergency supply kit for your home and car, and how you can stay informed of approaching severe winter weather. Find out how to keep your family safe this winter – at home, on the road or at work.

Whether you have a new child, a new home, or a new job, choosing a child care provider is an important decision. The Office for Children will answer your questions about child care options, outline the signs of quality child care and offer information to families seeking care for their children.

The Sheriff’s Office has implemented a program called Secure Communities, administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which identifies illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes in Fairfax County. Sheriff Stan Barry answered your questions in a discussion about how this program makes Fairfax County safer, without profiling or enforcing immigration laws.

Did you know that many kids and teens in our community are dealing with dating violence and depression? Or that cyberbullying, drugs and alcohol also can be problems? Learn more about the behaviors, experiences and other factors that influence the health and well-being of our youth. DeDe Bailer from Fairfax County Public Schools and Sophia Dutton, the county’s expert on the annual Youth Survey, which looks at civic engagement, cyberbullying, teen dating violence, environmental stewardship and life skills of kids and teens, answered your questions.

Threats of severe temperatures and hunger — that’s what many children, women and men in our community may face again today. Have you ever wondered how you can help those who have no place to go this winter season? Learn more about how our community has prepared to help our most vulnerable neighbors. Chat with Dean Klein, director of the county's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, and find out what you can do to help. Hit refresh on your browser for the latest responses.

Everyone’s probably heard about bed bugs, but are they here in Fairfax County? How bad is the problem in our community? What about when I travel for work or vacation? Or worse could my holiday guests bring them to my home? Or when my child returns from college? Learn more about these blood sucking stowaways and what you can do to protect yourself. Rachael Perrott, the county’s bed bug expert, and John Yetman, the Health Department’s top investigator who’s responsible for dealing with bed bug outbreaks, answered questions as part of Ask Fairfax!

Are you annoyed with distracted drivers? Texting, talking on phones, eating and personal grooming have become new hazards on the road. Join Captain Susan Culin, commander of the Police Department's Traffic Division, and PFC Joe Moore for a discussion about distracted driving. Ask your questions about this growing concern/epidemic in our county. Hit refresh on your browser for the latest responses.

Deputy County Executive Ed Long answered your questions about the county's budget after he recently presented the FY2012-FY2014 budget forecast. While home values are up for the first time in five years, the county still faces a multimillion dollar shortfall and the future of the local economy is uncertain.